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The Swedish Republican Association (Republikanska Föreningen) has accused public service broadcaster SVT of ditching its principles of objectivity ahead of the impending wedding of Crown Princess Victoria and Daniel Westling.

"It's odd that SVT, which is a state company financed by citizens' licence fees, does not display greater impartiality when it comes to the Swedish monarchy," the association said in an open letter to the broadcaster.

The board of the republican group added that SVT's coverage of the coming nuptials "is beginning to resemble pure commercial television".

Since the royal family represents the Swedish people, it should be subjected to more critical examination, the association said.

"We would like to remind SVT that a considerable proportion of the Swedish population is in favour of a republic, while a majority of members of parliament favour a republic," it said.

SVT director of communications Helga Baagøe responded to the criticism on Wednesday.

"It is reasonable to expect SVT to examine this institution and that's something we will do," she told news agency TT.

"When we look back at our combined output in this area after the wedding on June 19th, I feel certain that viewers, commentators and others will be able to say that SVT did its job."

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